Minutes 1996 1118 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes - City of San Leandro City Council and Page - 5 - Redevelopment Agency Meeting - November 18, 1996 3.8 Stuart Alexander, 2463 West Avenue 133rd, said his family came from Portugal 75 years ago to achieve the American Dream; he said they developed a strong business in San Leandro. He said the Council is attacking small businesses. He submitted a sign for the San Leandro Small Business Association with signatures obtained at the meeting. 3.9 Gilbert Morales, 15325 Tropic Court, opposes the tax. He said it infringes on rights. He said people have the right to own guns for defense. 3.10 Anthony Zimiac, 438 Dutton Avenue, said it is hypocritical that police are exempt from the tax, but a citizen would have to pay. He said citizens do not want the Council to put the City in position for a lawsuit. He said that, as welfare goes away, problems will increase, and people need a way to protect themselves. He said the police cannot be everywhere. 3.11 Earl Johnson, 1132 Carpentier Street, said he supports the tax for safety in the community. He said the bottom line is to keep guns out of the hands of criminals. He cited three, recent, newspaper stories regarding gun violence from non - criminals. He said that, in all cases, none of the people held previous criminal records, no history of mental illness, and all had gun education and training. 3.12 Don Cobb, 442 Beverly Avenue, said we are trying to find a community solution to gun problems. He said the business community should not be short sighted regarding the community. He said it would be good to see how the community feels about guns. He urged the Council to support the tax. 3.13 Dave Gotelli, 968 Joaquin Avenue, owns a small business and opposes the tax. He said he and Mr. Alexander are working on a gun buy -back program with the City of Oakland. He asked if the City of San Leandro might be interested in the same program. He said the tax sends the wrong message to small businesses. 3.14 James Crew, 4364 Edwards Lane, Castro Valley, represents Mr. Cucchiara and noted the Mayor's new desk and said this is a misuse of power. He said it cost 530,000. Council Member Glaze stated that the desk is not the issue this evening pertaining to the Ordinance. 3.15 Carey Walker, 471 Santa Monica, said he purchased an automatic gun from Traders 30 years ago. He said gun laws are controlled by the State not the City. He said they should support legislation to put criminals away. He opposes the tax. 3.16 Larry Norry, 2532 Williams Street, said the City does not need any more new taxes. He noted that the October 21, 1996, Minutes did not contain all the information regarding the Mulford Gardens Improvement Association's position on the tax.